Reference: Anna
Hastings
The name of an aged prophetess (Lu 2:35-38), one of the godly remnant in Israel who in the dark days which preceded the Messiah's advent were looking for the dayspring from on high and waiting for the consolation of Israel. She was the daughter of Phanuel, and belonged to the ancient tribe of Asher, whose women were celebrated for their beauty, which fitted them for wedding with high priests and kings. She had attained a great age, upwards of a hundred years, since she had been a wife for seven years and a widow for eighty-four (see RV). She bad given herself to a life of devotion, frequenting the Temple and 'worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day' (cf. 1Ti 5:6). At the Presentation of the Infant Messiah (Lu 2:22-24) she entered the sacred court, and, hearing Simeon's benediction and prophecy, took up the refrain of praise and talked about the Holy Child to her godly intimates, quickening their hope and preparing a welcome for the Saviour when He should by and by be manifested unto Israel.
David Smith.